The 2022 Men’s Open bodybuilding season has been entertaining for fans so far — Brandon Curry took home his second career Arnold Classic USA title, and William “The Conqueror” Bonac clinched a victory in the inaugural Boston Pro. The road to the 2022 Olympia weekend continues down to São Paulo, Brazil, with the 2022 Arnold South America (ASA) contest on April 29-30, 2022.
Only one competition is scheduled at the 2022 ASA — the Men’s Open. However, the competing men will look to add their names to the past champions list, which includes Curry, Kai Greene, and Juan Morel, among others. Earning qualification to the 2022 Olympia in Las Vegas, NV, on Dec. 16-18 is certainly on the bodybuilders’ minds as well. The 2022 roster of competitors is below, with names in alphabetical order.
2022 Arnold South America Roster
- Thiago Lins Adao
- Alan Ramino Bonadiman
- Rafael Brandão
- Marcelo Pedro da Cruz
- Sibusiso Kotelo
- Eduardo Rodriguez
As of this article’s publication, six men will compete in the 2022 ASA, four of which will represent Brazil. Below are which bodybuilders to watch with a 2022 Olympia qualification on the line.
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Rafael Brandão
Brandão won his first pro show in 2021 when he claimed victory at the Romania Muscle Fest Pro show. In March, he was slated to compete in the 2022 Arnold Classic USA, but he opted to hold off returning to the stage until this contest.
In recent months, Brandão had been training with seven-time Olympia 212 winner Flex Lewis. That, combined with the experience and having home-field advantage, makes him the favorite to place first in São Paulo.
Eduardo Rodriguez
Rodriguez’s most recent contest appearance was the 2021 Big Man Pro, where he finished in fifth place. Angel Calderon won that contest. Rodriguez doesn’t have a lot of pro contest experience, but placing in the top five of any show indicates potential. If Brandão is off the mark when the athletes face the judges, Rodriguez could undoubtedly take advantage.
Sibusiso Kotelo
Kotelo earned his IFBB pro card by winning the 2018 NPC Worldwide Shawn Rhoden Classic. He competed three times in 2019, placing ninth in that year’s Chicago Pro — his pro debut. He followed that up with an 11th place effort in the Vancouver Pro, and he ranked 10th at the Monsterzym Pro.
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Kotelo has not competed on stage since that show, but the South Africa native has excellent symmetry that could score well with the judges. An extended absence from the stage can serve some athletes well, and the mystery behind what Kotelo will look like could add interest for the fans. We’ll see if he brings his best package yet and can contend for the title.
Featured Image: @rafabrandaopro on Instagram
